What does Preamble of SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to require certain commercial entities to implement age verification methods.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Safety and Age Filtering Enforcement for Kids Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. A 'commercial age verification system' is defined as a system that verifies age using government-issued identification, transactional data, or other reliable methods to prevent minors from accessing harmful sexual material on commercial entities. A 'commercial entity' includes corporations, social media platforms, but excludes news-gathering organizations primarily focused on publishing news or public interest content. The 'Commission' refers to the Federal Trade Commission. A 'covered commercial entity' is a commercial entity that knowingly publishes or distributes material where over one-third is sexual material harmful to minors, as determined by the Commission. ‘Digital identification’ refers to information stored digitally that can be accessed by a covered commercial entity and indicates an individual’s age. ’Distribute’ encompasses various methods of issuing, selling, giving, or providing material. A 'minor' is defined as an individual under 18 years of age. ’Publish’ means making information available on a publicly accessible internet website. ’Sexual material harmful to minors’ is defined based on contemporary community standards, depictions of sexual acts, and a lack of serious value for minors, referencing section 2246 of title 18, United States Code. ’Transactional data’ refers to information documenting exchanges or transfers between individuals, commercial entities, or third parties.

What does AGE VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. of SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes age verification requirements for covered commercial entities. Covered entities must prevent minors from accessing sexual material harmful to minors. Individuals attempting to access such material must either provide digital identification or verify their age through a commercial age verification system. Covered entities may contract with third parties to fulfill these requirements. Entities or third parties are prohibited from retaining or selling any information collected for age verification.

What does APPLICABILITY. of SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section addresses the applicability of the Act. It states that an internet service provider, search engine provider, or cloud service provider (or their affiliates/subsidiaries) cannot be found to have violated the Act solely for providing access or connection to a covered commercial entity.

What does ENFORCEMENT. of SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines the enforcement mechanisms for the Act. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing the Act, utilizing its existing powers and jurisdiction as defined in the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Act extends the FTC's enforcement authority to common carriers subject to the Communications Act of 1934. The Attorney General may initiate criminal investigations and prosecutions for knowing violations of the Act. Criminal penalties for violations include fines and imprisonment, with increased penalties for violations impacting a significant number of minors or generating substantial profits. The Attorney General is required to consult with the FTC to coordinate enforcement actions. Individuals, including parents or legal guardians, may bring civil actions against violating commercial entities. Successful plaintiffs in civil actions may be awarded declaratory or equitable relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.

What does JOINT REPORTING AND OVERSIGHT. of SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a requirement for joint reporting and oversight regarding the enforcement of this Act. The Commission, in coordination with the Attorney General, must submit a report to Congress. The initial report is due within one year of the Act's enactment, with subsequent reports every three years. The report must detail the number of investigations into violations of the Act. It must also include data on actions brought under sections 5(a) and 5(b), including penalties, fines, and imprisonment. Finally, the report should identify any trends or challenges related to compliance and enforcement.

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SAFE for Kids Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/10/2026 · Introduced: 6/10/2026

Author: Jim Banks (R-IN)

TL;DR (AI)

Commercial entities that primarily publish sexual material harmful to minors must implement age verification methods to prevent access by individuals under 18.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing this Act, with the Attorney General having authority to pursue criminal investigations and prosecutions for violations.
Individuals harmed by violations of this Act, including parents or legal guardians, can bring civil actions against offending commercial entities to seek damages and relief.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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